Parkinson looking for a response

City boss Phil Parkinson is backing his Bantams to bounce back in the proper way following the club's recent humiliating Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat at the hands of Hartlepool United.

The Bantams entertain last season's League 1 Play-Off finalists Brentford at the Coral Windows Stadium this Saturday only four days after a 5-0 thrashing by Pools in their JPT first round encounter.

Following the heavy loss against the League 2 side, Parkinson's men have been told in no uncertain terms that a repeat of this week's woeful display at Victoria Park will not be tolerated.

Despite the disappointment of Tuesday night, Parkinson says his side have responded well in the past to previous poor results and he is confident they can do so again when Uwe Rosler's side come to Valley Parade.

Parkinson said: "Obviously Tuesday at Hartlepool United was a major disappointment for us all.

"We went through a few things again this (Thursday) morning with the lads because you can't just sweep a performance like that under the carpet.

"You have to analyse it and see why so many players were below par and look to rectify it.

"I must stress, I am not singling out the players who played on Tuesday night. This is a problem for all of the staff, the players who did play and the lads who didn't play. No-one connected with Bradford City can feel any pride about Tuesday's performance.

"When we had our success last season, we all took the plaudits.

"Now when we have a bad night like Tuesday, we have to take responsibility for that.

"It is very important to remember, however, that we did have bad results last season as well.

"People may look back at last season through rose-tinted glasses and think everything was perfect for us. In reality though, we had a few bad days along the road that season. You look at Rotherham (United) away last year - that was a performance totally out of the blue from us.

"We're produced another one like that last Tuesday, but these things can happen over the course of a season.

"We have had a good chat with the boys after the game Tuesday and again today just to remind what we expect from players who play for Bradford City.

"We obviously had great success last season and we have enjoyed a pretty decent start to this season as well, but there have been elements that have helped us achieve our success.

"It is important that we keep these core values in the squad and in our play out on the pitch, and if I or Steve (Parkin) detect that anyone is pulling against that, they won't be at the club.

"This Saturday is a game I am really looking forward to.

"A lot of people are talking about Brentford being a potential top-two team, let alone a contender for the Play-Offs.

"Brentford are a team that did well last season and are expected to do well again this year.

"We played them twice last season in the F.A Cup so we have a good idea of what they are all about.

"We know we will have to be disciplined in the terms of the shape of our team.

"Equally though, we have players who can hurt them so it should be a good test for both teams, not just ourselves.

"It will be a real test for us but it is one I feel we can rise to.

"Regardless of the result, if we perform to the best of our ability on Saturday then I'll have a smile on my face come the end (of the game).

"We've had a set-back on Tuesday, but I know the fans, like the players, will respond this Saturday.

"We are all in this together, and we have to strive forward and make the place (Valley Parade) as hostile as possible come Saturday. It would be great to have yet another strong atmosphere around the ground."

Although Parkinson has no new injuries to deal with in the run-up to Saturday's match, Rory McArdle is likely to miss out after a late call-up into the Northern Ireland squad.

Parkinson said: "I am played for Rory because international recognition is always good for a player.

"But, equally, if he goes out there and doesn't play any part, it will be frustrating for him because he has had a good start to the season.

"We have other players who can come in and play. That is why we have a squad, and it will be utilised this weekend."